Every Easter morning, Christians around the world greet one another with the joyful phrase, “He is risen!” and hear the response, “He is risen indeed!” This timeless tradition has traveled through centuries, shaping faith, worship, and the history of the English language. As someone fascinated by words, I’ve often wondered during church mornings if saying “He has risen” might sound more technically correct. That debate between grammar and faith makes He Is Risen or He Has Risen – Which is Correct? a question worth exploring because it reflects both linguistic roots and spiritual conviction handed down through generations.
In older English, using “is” with past participles like risen described a state or outcome, not merely an action. That nuance still remains in religious texts, Scripture, and Christian speech today. While modern grammar rules often favor “He has risen,” the phrase “He is risen” continues to carry deep reverence, weight, and poetic beauty in worship. Its echo has spanned generations, forming a lasting connection that transcends grammatical detail. Through faith, emotion, and spiritual affirmation, these words stand as a powerful declaration, keeping alive a shared memory, truth, and hope that have endured for centuries.
The Origin and Meaning of “He Is Risen”
The phrase “He is risen” traces back to older English ways of speaking. In the 17th century and earlier, translators of the King James Bible (KJV, 1611) chose “is risen” rather than “has risen”. The full verse (Gospel of Matthew 28:6, KJV) reads:
“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.”
This use of “is” served as an auxiliary verb for certain intransitive verbs (“to rise”) in Early Modern English. (English Language & Usage Stack Exchange)
In that older grammar, “He is risen” effectively meant “He has risen and remains risen”—a state as much as a completed action. One grammar-forum contributor explained:
“He has risen connotes the completion of Christ’s resurrection; He is risen refers to the ongoing state of Christ being resurrected and now having eternal life.” (WordReference Forums)
So when you hear “He is risen”, it links not only to what happened (the resurrection) but to what remains true (Christ is risen now).
Grammatical Breakdown: “He Is Risen” vs. “He Has Risen”
Let’s compare the two phrases side by side to make the grammar clear:
| Phrase | Verb Form | Meaning Focus | Context Use |
| He is risen | “be” + past participle (archaic perfect) | Emphasises state: He has risen and remains in that state. | Older translations, liturgy |
| He has risen | “have” + past participle (modern perfect) | Emphasises action completed: He rose. | Modern English usage, everyday speech |
This change comes from the shift in English grammar: originally, for verbs of motion or change of state, English sometimes used “be” as auxiliary (e.g., “He is come”). Later, “have” became the regular auxiliary. (English Language & Usage Stack Exchange)
In modern grammar, “He has risen” reads as standard: the present perfect indicates an action in the past with relevance now. Meanwhile, “He is risen” may sound poetic or archaic—but it remains meaningful in its context.
Religious and Theological Dimensions
Language often carries theology. The phrases here are no exception.
- With “He is risen”, the emphasis leans toward continuing reality: Christ is alive now, not just once alive. Some theologians suggest that using “is” highlights the eternal nature of the resurrection. (purecambridgetext)
- With “He has risen”, the emphasis lies more on the historical event: Jesus rose, the fact is true, and the effect continues.
These nuances matter. For many denominations—Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran—the phrase “He is risen” appears in liturgy, greeting customs, and hymns. (Wikipedia)
Thus your choice may reflect not just grammar, but tradition, theology, and community.
Scriptural Translations Across Versions
A peak at Bible translations shows how phrase usage changed over time.
| Bible Version | Phrase Used | Published Year |
| King James Version (KJV) | He is risen | 1611 |
| New King James Version (NKJV) | He is risen | 1982 |
| New International Version (NIV) | He has risen | 1978 |
| English Standard Version (ESV) | He has risen | 2001 |
This table shows: older translations kept “is risen”; modern ones shift to “has risen.” The reason? Clarity for contemporary readers and modern English grammar norms. (Grammar Whisper)
Importantly, the underlying Greek (such as in Matthew 28:6: ἠγέρθη – ēgerthē) is an aorist passive. Translators must choose between capturing the completed action or the state following the action. (English Language & Usage Stack Exchange)
The Role of Tradition and Cultural Memory
Why does “He is risen” persist? Tradition is a big part of it.
- The greeting known as the Paschal Greeting (“Christ is risen!” / “He is risen indeed!”) carries centuries of use across Christian denominations. (Wikipedia)
- Traditional hymns reflect the phrase: for example, the Easter hymn “Christ Is Risen! Christ Is Risen!” (1862) uses the older form. (Wikipedia)
- Cultural habits: Many churches still print “He is risen” on bulletins, cards, signage around Easter. It signals continuity with the past.
In short: while grammar evolves, ritual stays put. The phrase becomes a marker of identity, not just meaning.
Modern English Perspective
In everyday English today, you’ll most often hear “He has risen” because it follows modern grammar rules. Here are some key points:
- Clarity: “He has risen” clearly shows the auxiliary “has,” making the perfect tense explicit.
- Accessibility: For readers or listeners unfamiliar with archaic grammar, “has risen” avoids confusion.
- Context matters: If you’re writing academic, literary, or theological text, “has risen” fits standard usage. If you’re writing liturgical text or aiming for traditional tone, “is risen” may better capture that feeling.
One grammar forum noted:
“He is risen is an archaic form… English switched over to using ‘have’ for the helping verb… English is one of the few languages in which this process has already been completed.” (English Language & Usage Stack Exchange)
So “has risen” leads for modern readability, while “is risen” holds sway in tradition-rich contexts.
“He Is Risen” in Today’s Culture
You’ll find both phrases used, but “He is risen” often resonates more during Easter celebrations for several reasons:
- Emotional impact: The shorter, older phrasing sounds powerful and timeless.
- Ritual familiarity: Congregations expect it in chants, responsories, announcements.
- Search engine considerations: Online, content titled with “He has risen” might attract readers seeking grammatical clarification, whereas “He is risen” draws those keyed into tradition.
For example:
- Churches posting “He is risen! He is risen indeed!” on social media often receive more engagement than generic “Happy Easter” messages.
- Easter merchandise, greeting cards and banners almost always use “He is risen”.
The takeaway: culture holds onto the phrase not just because of meaning, but because of memory and mood.
Which Is Correct? The Final Verdict
Short answer: Both phrases are correct, depending on context.
Here’s how to decide:
- Use “He has risen” when:
- You’re writing in modern English (articles, blogs, academic).
- You want to emphasise the action of resurrection.
- You aim for clarity and standard grammar.
- Use “He is risen” when:
- You’re in liturgical, ritual, or traditional church settings.
- You want to emphasise the present reality of resurrection.
- You’re referencing older Bible translations or amping up poetic tone.
In essence:
- Grammatically modern: He has risen.
- Theologically/traditionally rich: He is risen.
Both express the same powerful truth: Jesus Christ rose from the dead, and that matters today.
FAQs
Q1: Why do people say “He is risen” instead of “He has risen”?
People say “He is risen” because it comes from older English and reflects a state of resurrection rather than an action. It’s deeply rooted in Christian tradition, especially during Easter, symbolizing faith, reverence, and spiritual victory.
Q2: Is “He has risen” grammatically correct?
Yes, “He has risen” follows modern grammar rules and expresses a completed action in the past. It’s common in conversation and writing, but it lacks the poetic and sacred tone that “He is risen” carries in religious contexts.
Q3: Which version should I use in writing or speech?
Your choice depends on context. Use “He is risen” for religious or Easter worship, and “He has risen” for everyday or academic writing. Both are correct, but each serves a different purpose.
Q4: What is the theological meaning behind “He is risen”?
The phrase declares the resurrection of Jesus, celebrating that death was overcome. It’s not just about grammar—it’s about belief, hope, and spiritual truth that transcends language.
Q5: Why is this phrase important today?
Even in the modern world, “He is risen” reminds Christians of their faith’s foundation, carrying an emotional, linguistic, and cultural depth that still matters today.
Conclusion
In exploring He Is Risen or He Has Risen – Which is Correct?, we uncover more than a grammar debate—we find a living testimony of faith and language evolution. The phrase “He is risen” holds a timeless echo, resonating through centuries of worship, Scripture, and tradition. It connects believers through spiritual affirmation, memory, and meaning, reminding us that words can carry power beyond their form. Whether you favor the older or modern version, the truth remains—both honor the resurrection, but “He is risen” speaks to the heart in a way no other phrase can.
